High power LED UV curing system

1st July 2013

Hamamatsu Photonics has introduced the new LC-L1v3 UV curing system, adding to the existing range of LED UV curing systems. This new addition features higher power UV LEDs to those in the well-established LC-L1. These LEDs are highly durable, and the use of Hamamatsu’s heat dissipation technology ensures a high stability light output is easily maintained over the 20,000 hour LED lifetime.

The long lifetime of the LC-L1v3 LEDs significantly reduces the maintenance costs of operating a curing system and, there is no requirement for optical alignment during the LED operating period. If space is an issue the LC-L1v3 cuts the required volume by 90% compared to its LC-L1 predecessor. This is achieved via its compact modular design, incorporating all the necessary drive circuits in a housing measuring just 30mm x 160mm x 104mm, and makes the new device highly cost effective.

The high power LEDs are capable of a UV irradiation intensity of 15,000 mW/cm2 at 385nm and 10,500mW/cm2 at 365nm. This is considerably higher than the intensity from the LC-L1 and conventional Mercury-Xenon lamp curing systems, such as the Hamamatsu LC8 series, opening up a wider range of curing possibilities.

When used for UV adhesive curing, the LC-L1v3 allows quick curing of various electronic and optical components in just a few seconds. This avoids thermal damage to the target object, or any peripheral components that are vulnerable to heat exposure. The LC-L1v3 allows for RS-232C and USB computer control, or manually input curing cycles for different processes, guaranteeing the best 'cure' every time. The LC-L1v3 is also suitable for a wide range of spectroscopy and general UV applications requiring a high quality, high brightness UV light source.